throw in at the deep end

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throw in at the deep end

To introduce a person to a new situation without adequately preparing him or her.

Etymology:

From allusion to an actual swimming pool. It's dangerous to risk someone's life by throwing them into the deep end of the pool then expect them to learn to swim to save their life. It's better to teach someone to swim in the shallow end of the pool where it is safer. Similarly, as the phrase is used, don't expect someone to learn, teach them.

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In my new job, I was told to answer the phone without knowing the answers to any questions customers ask. They just threw me into the deep end.
Note: "throw into the deep end" is another way to say the phrase.

Collection Edit

Submitted on September 01, 2009

Modified by TriplePurple on December 11, 2023

Translation

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Nearby phrases

Some more phrases from our dictionary similar to throw in at the deep end

throw off the trail throw good money after bad throw off balance throw off throw down throw one's hat in the ring throw one's toys out of the pram throw caution to the wind throw down Throw in the Towel throw down the gauntlet throw one's hat over the windmill Throw Cold Water on Something throw down

How to pronounce this phrase?

Alex
US English
David
US English
Mark
US English
Daniel
British
Libby
British
Mia
British
Karen
Australian
Hayley
Australian
Natasha
Australian
Veena
Indian
Priya
Indian
Neerja
Indian
Zira
US English
Oliver
British
Wendy
British
Fred
US English
Tessa
South African

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"throw in at the deep end." Phrases.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 22 Dec. 2024. <https://www.phrases.com/phrase/throw-in-at-the-deep-end_7496>.

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